Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation announces $3.5 Million investment in YSF Canada

May 11, 2008

Against the backdrop of the Province of Ontario Opening Banquet at the 47th Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa, Ontario, MPP Bob Delaney (in photo), Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Research and Innovation, announced a $3.5-million investment by the province in Youth Science Foundation Canada (YSF) to provide Ontario students with more opportunities to explore science and technology ideas and prepare for the jobs of the future.

Working with other youth science organizations, including Sci-Tech Ontario and Let's Talk Science, Youth Science Foundation Canada will use the new investment from the province to:

• Support 29 regional science fairs to enable Ontario youth to advance to national and international competitions
• Promote science and technology in the classroom
• Support the new science and technology curriculum

This investment from Ontario’s 2008 Budget is part of the Ontario Innovation Agenda, a strategy focused on generating a workforce with first-rate skills in science, engineering, creative arts, business and entrepreneurship.

“To seize the world stage, we need Ontario’s youth at its very best. We are creating the next generation of jobs to help innovative businesses grow and create jobs and this investment is about getting the next generation ready to take those jobs,” said Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson.

YSF Canada Executive Director, Reni Barlow noted, "Engaging youth in science and technology is fundamental to building a culture of innovation. Ontario's investment in youth science and science fairs sends a clear message that inquiry and problem-solving skills are critical to the province's future and will enable YSF and its partners to get more Ontario youth doing real science."

Education Minister Kathleen Wynne said, "Our government has worked hard to give Ontario students a solid educational foundation and opportunities to explore their areas of interest, like science. This approach will help prepare them for life after school and a brighter future."

Youth Science Foundation Canada is a not-for-profit organization that manages the annual Canada Wide Science Fair and helps promote project-based science across Canada.

Ontario has an international reputation for research excellence in the medical and related sciences, supported by 25 research and academic hospitals employing 10,000 scientists, clinical investigators and other researchers conducting $850 million in research annually.

Learn more about Ontario’s youth and teacher science and technology outreach programs.

Learn more about cutting-edge science in Ontario.

Contacts:

Perry Blocher
Ministry of Research and Innovation
416-326-7717

Kristan Koehle,
Minister’s Office,
416-325-8908